Jessica Ong

GEWORLD – L81
OPUS DEI

1. What is Opus Dei’s public theology?

A central feature of Opus Dei's theology is its focus on the lives of the ordinary Catholics
who are neither priests nor monks. It emphasizes the "universal call to holiness” – the
belief that everyone should aspire to be a saint that sanctity is within the reach of
everyone, not just a few special individuals. Moreover, it also gives emphasis on uniting
spiritual life with professional, social, and family life. Whereas the members of some
religious orders might live in monasteries and devote their lives exclusively to prayer and
study, members of Opus Dei lead ordinary lives with traditional families and secular
careers and strive to "sanctify ordinary life."

2. What is Opus Dei’s lived religion (rituals and the meaning/purpose behind them)?
Opus Dei is not a religious order, thus it is not comparable to the Franciscans or the
Dominicans. Its members remain fully immersed in the world and do not retreat to
monasteries or cloisters. They find God through the mundane details of daily secular
life. It is an institution of laypeople and priests together, men and women, sharing the
same vocation but playing different roles.

3. What are the activities of Opus Dei that are fit to be classified as forms of
relational dialogism? Explain why.
Opus Dei’s main activity consists in offering its members and other people the spiritual
means they need to live as good Christians in the midst of the world. Personal testimony
is always the most important apostolate in Opus Dei. Members' apostolic work is not
limited to specific fields such as education, or care for the sick or disabled. As the
Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, all Christians, whatever their secular
occupation may be, ought to help to find Christian solutions to the problems of society
and give constant witness to their faith.
 Jessica Ong
GEWORLD – L81
COURAGE INTERNATIONAL

1. What is Courage’s public theology with regard to homosexuality? Is it different

from the mainstream conservative Christianity or what?
Courage is an organization or support group community that journeys with people
struggling with their identity but still are considered as Child of God. It has an urgency
type of apostolate in their respective jurisdiction and association for persons with same
sex attraction with the guidance and leadership of the church that cares for
homosexuality. Churches are known for not supporting people with this kind of struggles,
but through Courage, they make people feel that they are not way out of or beyond God’s
mercy.

2. Enumerate Courage’s elements of lived religion.

First, Chastity, homosexauls are allowed to chase life without receiving judgment or
discrimination. Second, prayer and dedication to the church that they may be able to find
light and connection with God. Fellowship and support meeting that could actually let
them sharing while feeling comfortable of theirsleves. And lastly, being a good example.

3. In terms of relational dialogism, how does Courage reach out to other civil society
groups having a different opinion and agenda?
Courage does regular sharing meeting. They can open and safely talk about their
struggles, which may not be available to other communities. Even if they are out and
accepted, people around them cannot easily view them with good intentions however
with the organization, they are totally understood. They have platforms to feel that they
can actually be comfortable talking about it and feel the belongingness to journey with
the Lord despite their sexual attraction.